Month: July 2010

Categories
News on Health & Science

Banking on Stem Cells

[amazon_link asins=’B017I4ZC94,B000W9SJO8,B002ZH9AHK’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’594d435b-f344-11e6-8cf8-d1f07647d9a2′]
Advertisements in the media advise parents to “plan and protect your children’s future and their health status”. These are not commercials for insurance plans, but private stem cell banking facilities, where, for a steep price, your baby’s umbilical cord stem cells can be preserved for future use.…..click & see

Stem cells are in the news. Independent national and international laboratories are making claims and counterclaims about the “miracles” they have achieved with them. Paralysed people have been able to walk, rare degenerative nervous and muscular system diseases been reversed, and some cancers of the blood cells cured. People with terminal illnesses have also been offered hope…..click & see

Actress Lisa Ray underwent stem cell therapy for multiple myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells...click & see

Stem cells may be embryonic, adult or derived from umbilical cords. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from the extra fertilised eggs at in vitro fertilisation (IVF) centres. The use of these cells is controversial, as, theoretically, they have the potential to become human beings. They are the “spare babies” belonging to a particular IVF couple. When supplied to a stem cell research facility, they are grown in a nutrient broth in a culture dish and used for research or treatment.

Adult stem cells are found in bone marrow. These are harvested from the bone marrow of living donors. It’s a surgical procedure done under anaesthesia with some post-operative discomfort. The cells are capable of eventually forming either various types of blood cells or stromal cells from which cartilage and fat tissues arise.

Haematologists treat a variety of hereditary blood disorders and some of the blood cancers with either autologous (the person’s own) stem cells or compatible donor cells from bone marrow transplants. This technology has been used for the last 30 years. Bone marrow transplants are life saving for people with certain blood cancers. They can also be used for serious blood disorders such as aplastic anaemia. They can also help boost the immune system if it is impaired because of an inherited genetic defect or destroyed by cancer.

Umbilical cords are a rich and non-controversial source of stem cells. Cord blood has a greater ability to generate new blood cells than does bone marrow. Also, smaller quantities of cord blood cells are needed for successful transplantation. These cords are normally discarded along with the placenta from labour wards all over the world.

At present, in India, patients who require stem cell treatment or a bone marrow transplant have to search for a relative who is an appropriate tissue match. Sometimes even close first-degree relatives like a parent or sibling are not compatible. India does not as yet have a centralised national bone marrow registry to match recipients and donors.

Some foresighted countries with efficient national health schemes like the United Kingdom and Brazil do have public cord blood banks. Blood is screened for infective agents, documented in a registry and stored. The chances of finding compatible stem cells are high because of the large volumes stored.

India has private cord blood banks which store blood only for the use of that particular child for a period of 21 years. It may be a cost effective option for parents who have a family history of certain genetic diseases, such as severe hereditary anaemias, immune disorders or certain cancers. Even then, the chance that the blood can be used for that particular child is only 1 in 2,000. In families with no such risk factors, there is only about a 1-in-20,000 chance of the child ever needing a stem cell transplantation. Also, even if the child does require a stem cell transplant, it is unlikely that his or her own cord blood would be the desired source of stem cells. The same chromosomal or genetic defect causing the leukaemia, any other cancer or metabolic disorder, is likely to be present in the child’s stem cell line. There is no proof that a transplant using the child’s own stem cells is effective or even safe, especially in cases of childhood cancers.

Indians have a very diverse genetic make-up. The large-scale collection and storage of cord blood in public banks will be very useful. It can be used for matched unrelated recipients who urgently need blood cell transplants.

Stem cells are probably the future of medicine and the human race. They are multifaceted and have the potential to develop into different cell types. They can theoretically keep dividing as long as the person is alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another specialised cell like a muscle cell, red blood cell, or brain cell. This means stem cells can be infused as a sort of emergency repair mechanism to replenish damaged tissues.

Perhaps disease, aging, cancer and even death can be controlled and conquered. And living healthily forever may become a reality.

Source:The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

Related articles by Zemanta
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

[amazon_link asins=’B01AN5WPBS,B00ZSTNQVI,B000QUN15A,B00WOH5JLW,B0011DKKZ0,B009665860,B00WOH5NMC,B00WOH5U52,B01A2UOXZA’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d0a503ac-5325-11e7-a0b8-a567f977af6d’]

Botanical Name :Galium aparine
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Galium
Common Names :  Cleavers , Clivers, Goose Grass, Catchweed, Sweet Woodruff,    Stickywilly, Stickyweed, Stickyleaf, Catchweed, Robin-run-the-hedge and Coachweed.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Species: G. aparine

Habitat : It is native to North America and Eurasia.

Description:
Galium aparine is a herbaceous annual plant. The long stems of this climbing plant sprawl over the ground and other plants, reaching heights of 1-1.5 m, occasionally 2 m. The leaves are simple and borne in whorls of six to eight. Both leaves and stem have fine hairs tipped with tiny hooks, making them cling to clothes and fur much like velcro. The white to greenish flowers are 2-3 mm across, with four petals.
click to see the pictures…>…..(01)...(1)…….(2).…....(3).……..(4)…..…..(5).……….
It flowers in early spring to summer, with the flowers occurring in most of the leaf nodes. The fruits are clustered 1-3 seeds together; each seed is 4-6 mm diameter, and is also covered with hooked hairs (a burr) which cling to animal fur, aiding in seed dispersal.

It is a common weed in hedges and other low shrubby vegetation, and is also a common weed in arable fields, as well as gardens. As they grow quite rampantly and thickly, they end up shading out any small plants that they overrun.

The seeds are similar size to cereal grains, and so are a common contaminant in cereals since they are difficult to filter out. The presence of some seed in cereals is not considered a serious problem as they are not toxic.

Edible Uses:

Galium aparine is edible. The numerous small hooks which cover the plant and give it its clinging nature make it unfit to be eaten raw. However boiled as a leaf vegetable before the fruits appear it makes tolerable eating..
When dried and roasted, the fruits of this plant can be used to make a coffee-like drink. The plant can also be made into a tea.

Cleavers is a coffee relative, and its seed if roasted are used as a coffee substitute, and the young leaves can be eaten like spinach.

Constituents: coumarins,iridoid glycosides (asperuloside, acumin), tannins,citric acid,gallotanic acid

Medicinal Actions & Uses:

Diuretic* Tonic* Astringent* Depurative* Vulnerary* Appetite Depressant/Obesity* Refrigerant*
The plant was traditionally used to treat skin diseases. It is a diuretic and vulnerary. Herbalists use it to lower blood pressure and body temperature, as well as for cystitis.

The whole plant is considered rich in vitamin C. Its roots produce a red dye, and the tea has been used as an anti-perspirant (by the Chinese), and as a relief for head colds (home remedy), restlessness, and sunburns. As a pulp, it has been used to relieve poisonous bites.

Common Uses: Eczema * Hypertension HBP * Psoriasis *

Parts Used Medicine: Dried aerial parts and fresh expressed juice

Herbalists have long regarded cleavers as a valuable lymphatic tonic and diuretic. In essence the lymph system is the body’s mechanism to wash tissues of toxins, passing them back into the bloodstream to be cleansed by the liver and kidneys. This cleansing action makes cleavers useful in treating conditions like psoriasis and arthritis, which benefit from purifying the blood. Externally, a tea made from cleavers can be used as a skin wash to improve the complexion and treat skin disorders, and treat cuts and scrapes. The tea can also be put to good use as a hair rinse to fight dandruff.

Cleavers has been used to treat urinary infections in cats(FLUTD).

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail215.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galium_aparine
http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/mbierner/bio406d/images/pics/rub/galium_aparine.htm

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
News on Health & Science

Some Manicures Can Cause Nerve Damage

[amazon_link asins=’B01M5ILVL6,B002BRR1KC,B01LXPJOSQ,B01N9LOBOZ,B06ZZVR6XZ,B001DS545O,B01N6KKMSH,B06XXKPTNP,B01EMV9YTA’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4774ae5d-531f-11e7-a984-5f245601dc83′]

In a gel manicure, a special solution is applied to your nails.  It is then hardened under a UV light for a longer-lasting manicure.

click & see

But there’s concern that the procedure may not always be safe — either because the technicians don’t do them right, or the nail salon is passing off other procedures as gel manicures.

In some cases, the electric file can slip and scuff up your skin, which is then dipped into a pot of powdered chemicals. Especially if the chemicals are not a true gel manicure, they can get into the abrasion and migrate, causing nerve damage.

ABC News offers some tips for spotting a manicure procedure that could harm you:

•Your salon uses bottles in unmarked containers.
•The products smell unusually strong or have a strange odor.
•Your skin is abraded or cut during the procedure.
•The instruments used on you are not sterilized.
•Your skin or nails hurt during or after the nail service.
•You see swelling, redness or other signs of infection.
If you want to see the complete list, please see ABC News’ article linked below.


Source: ABC News June 28, 2010

Related articles by Zemanta
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

[amazon_link asins=’B004HQP5AS,0688147321,0618619593,B016Y17AQU,0064402320,1250035775,B00AT3XMZI,B008YF3EQU,1585426105′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’cbed8fda-531d-11e7-9e00-bb3facf63dd5′]

Botanical Name : Chrysanthemum morifolium
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Anthemideae
Genus: Chrysanthemum
Common Names: Chrysanthemum , Mums, Ju Hua, Chu Hua,Florist’s Chrysanthemum
Syn : Dendranthema morifolium
Parts Used: flowers

Habitat : Native to China, Japan, India and Korea; . Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain

Description:
Chrysanthemums, or “mums,” are any of several annual and perennial herbs in a large genus, Chrysanthemum, of the daisy family, Compositae. Chrysanthemums are widely grown commercially for their showy red, white, or yellow blossoms, which are produced in late summer and fall. The blossoms range from daisylike in appearance to very shaggy. Although most of the popular varieties are new hybrids,  they are the floral emblem of theimperial family. The Chinese varieties are the tallest, reaching heights of 1.2 m (4 ft) or more. Indian or pompon varieties have smallest flowers. Chrysanthemums should be planted in sunny locations, as they become spindly if grown in the shade

CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURES.......(01)....(1)..…....(2)..……..(3).….…………

The familiar chrysanthemum in which literally thousands of year of breeding have produced an amazing variety of plant forms and flower colors.
Height .12-36 inches.Suitable for the home or a greenhouse.

USDA Hardiness Zone 5-9
Flower Color  :red, orange, yellow, white, lavender

Propagation:  Stem cuttings and seeds in the spring. It is best to propagate any type of cuttings or seeds in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while.

Constituents: ascorbic acid, beta-cartone, calcium, fiber, folacin, iron.

Properties: Refrigerant* Anti-inflammatory* Antibacterial* Febrifuge* Demulcent* Aromatic* Hepatic* Hypotensive*

Medicinal Actions  & Uses:

Common Uses: Allergies/hay Fever * Eye care – Vision * Heart Tonics/Cordials * Hypertension HBP * Influenza * Sore Throat/Laryngitis *

Ju-hua is used in Chinese medicine in prescriptions for colds with wind, and heat, headache, inflamed eyes, swelling and pain in the throat, vertigo, tinnitus, sores such as boils, and tightness of the chest with anxiety. Chrysanthemum flowers soaked in rice wine, are a historical restorative drink. Chrysanthemum is combined with Japanese honeysuckle in the treatment of high blood pressure. Steven Foster and Yue chongxi . Herbal Emissaries (1992)

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/perennials/Chrysmo.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum
http://www.plantcare.com/encyclopedia/florist-chrysanthemum-1060.aspx
http://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new090paper.html

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Healthy Tips

Vitamin D May Have The Best Results In Preventing Illnesses

[amazon_link asins=’B0179785OO,B00GB85JR4,B004U3Y8OM,B00JGCBGZQ,B004XLRTUQ,B00PHD94W0,B004TBXGS4,B0032BH76O,B0037LOLKY’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3c9a2774-531a-11e7-b6ed-939793f4e64a’]

Vitamin D, a powerful antioxidant, may have the strongest results when it comes to preventing diseases, according to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
click & see
For example, a study found that men and women who had a high intake of vitamin D were less likely to suffer from high blood pressure, according to The Boston Globe. Another trial showed that high levels of vitamin D could help balance blood sugar levels, and lessen the risk of developing diabetes.

In another study, a total of 1,000 post-menopausal women were asked to take natural supplements that contained vitamin D and calcium. The researchers found that the participants had a much lower risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, the news source reports.

While researchers across the country have found many benefits from a high intake of vitamin D, investigators conclude that further studies are necessary to rule out potential negative effects of the nutrient.

JoAnn Manson, a professor at Harvard Medical School, stated that “I do think vitamin D is one of the most promising nutrients for prevention of cardiac disease and cancer, and I believe in it strongly.” She added that “[however], the evidence is far from conclusive.”

In addition to being a potent antioxidant, vitamin D can also prevent bone density loss, osteoporosis, altered bone marrow cells and low bone mass.

Vitamin D… America’s Single Deadliest Deficiency…

Nine out of 10 Americans are deficient in vitamin D… the sunshine vitamin. And surprisingly, even people that spend plenty of time in the sun can still lack this vital inflammation fighter.

This is dangerous because inflammation is a major cause of heart and brain attacks… high blood pressure… joint pain… bone loss… digestive problems… blood sugar imbalances and a host of other serious health problems.

But the good news is: You can quickly restore healthy levels of vitamin D with Advanced D3 Plus™ from Health Resources™ and even REVERSE many of your most dangerous health problems.

But you must have the RIGHT kind of natural vitamin D combined with the best quality ingredients for optimum bone, heart and brain health. To find out more, Click Here… :http://www.healthresources.net/p-142-advanced-d3-plus.aspx

Source: BETTER Health Research 15th.JUL.2010

Related articles by Zemanta
Enhanced by Zemanta
css.php